Library Assistant

The City of Palm Desert provides exemplary and sustainable services, amenities and programs for the benefit of the local and surrounding communities. When you interact with a City employee, you will find our collaborative, driven and efficient staff working together to provide strategic solutions for the community and each other. We are a city focused on external and internal customer service and try to find a way to say “yes,” while not compromising the City’s or our own integrity.
Our efforts are guided by our core values:  

• Integrity 
• Stewardship 
• Service 
• Community 
• Innovation 
• Teamwork  

THE OPPORTUNITY

The City of Palm Desert is seeking part-time Library Assistants to support daily library operations. This role includes performing routine circulation tasks—such as checking materials in and out—and completing behind-the-scenes duties to ensure library resources are well-organized and accessible. Library Assistants will also help introduce patrons to library services, demonstrate account management tools, and provide basic support with the library’s technology resources. The position requires learning and applying established library policies and procedures to make sound decisions during interactions with patrons and colleagues.

Under general supervision, Library Assistants perform a wide range of technical and clerical tasks, including circulating materials, maintaining and organizing library collections, supporting library programs and services, and delivering excellent customer service. Assistants also help with routine activities essential to the day-to-day functioning of the library, along with other duties as assigned.

This part-time position is 19 hours per week and requires a flexible schedule that includes a combination of daytime, evening, and weekend shifts.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry-level class in the library classification system. Initially under close supervision, incumbents perform the most routine-related tasks in routine library work. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence.  Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Librarian but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.  Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern.  Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.  Since this class is often used as a training class, new employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.

• Check out library materials to patrons; receives, returns and renews circulated materials; collects fees; inspects returned materials for damages; and repairs materials; register new patrons; process materials prior to shelving; file and shelve materials; check and empty the book drop on a regular basis.  
• Respond and apply exceptional customer service to patron in-person and telephone requests for library materials, services and information; assist patrons in completing request for materials both available and not available in the local collection; assists library patrons with simple informational or directional requests and refers patrons to appropriate staff.
• Assist patrons in navigating computer sign-up and login processes and using library equipment such as copiers and printers.
• Compile statistics and data on information as requested; maintain a variety of records; produce information as requested. 
• Input data into library computer systems; make corrections; add or delete entries on bibliographic records; correct author and subject entries; search for missing books as necessary. 
• Maintain neat appearance of public and work areas by straightening chairs, picking-up material from tables, straightening materials on book and audio-visual shelves. 
• Retrieve books and materials from storage or other parts of the library.
• Assist library users with routine location questions; refer users to other staff members as appropriate.
• Plans and participates in the preparation of displays and exhibits, and maintains the library displays; assists in planning and implementing programs and activities. 
• Assists individuals requesting information, seeking services, or in resolving issues.
• Perform general clerical work; type a variety of documents; answer phones; enter information into computer; maintain files and records; process and distribute mail.
• Operate various office equipment, including computers, telephone systems, cash registers, copy machines, facsimile machines, and other related equipment. 
• Assists with documenting department internal operating procedures.
• May serve as back-up to the Visitors Center; may training volunteers.
• May make presentations to employees, community members, and library patrons; may assist in community outreach.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Library automation systems
• Library materials circulation routines and equipment.
• Library organization, policies and procedures, and terminology.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• Principles and techniques of telephone and interpersonal etiquette.
• Collecting payments by processing cash, and credit payments and making change for cash customers.
• General purpose, routines, procedures, and services of a public library system.
• Principles and methods employed for delivery of quality customer service.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

• Organize materials in numerical, chronological, or alphabetical order.
• Learn basic library services and functions.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the public.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Work accurately, consistently, and dependably at a fast pace during times of high volume. 
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with the media, governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Establish and maintain accurate databases, records, and files.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.